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We are Pueblo Wildlife Control, and we solve conflicts between people and wild animals. From squirrels in your attic, to raccoons in your trash, to bats, rats, birds, and snakes, we do it all. We specialize in safe and effective solutions to Colorado critter problems. We service the greater Pueblo region, and we offer fast service - we can usually schedule a same-day appointment. Give us a call at 719-890-6015 any time, 24/7, and we will discuss your unique wild animal problem, and give you a free price quote over the phone. We're ready to take your call now!

Our service range: We service El Paso County, Lincoln, Crowly County, Otero County, Las Animas County, Huerfano County, Custer County, Fremont County, and more. We also service Boon, Rye, Avondale, Beulah Valley, Blende, Colorado City, Salt Creek, Vineland, and more.

Pueblo Wildlife Education: What Can Rodents Chew Through?

Rodents have a well-earned reputation of chewing through anything and everything. Biology made it so that rodents have to chew as a way of keeping their teeth at a reasonable length. That is because these animals have teeth that constantly grow throughout their lives, with some rodents’ teeth growing several inches in a single year. Therefore, rodents simply chew on various items as a way of filing down their teeth. As a homeowner, knowing why they chew doesn’t make it any easier to deal with. Instead, you will want to know what they can chew through.



Wires
The biggest thing to be aware that rodents can chew through is wires. Depending on the type of rodent, they may prefer wires to other objects because they are slightly softer. Gnawing on or through wires is particularly concerning because it exposes the metal inside of the wire and puts the entire building at risk of a fire.

Other Home Materials
In addition to the wires in your home, rodents may chew on wood, insulation, and other building materials. The good news, however, is that it is unlikely that they will make their way through an entire piece of wood before you notice their presence. This means that you should be able to make repairs to support structures like wooden beams before the damage becomes too severe. Although rodents will chew on insulation, they are more likely to damage it in other ways. Despite this, you will occasionally see bite marks on insulation. Mice, in particular, will gnaw on insulation as a way to make an entrance and find a nice cozy spot inside. This may be supplemented by them scraping at the insulation with their claws.

Most Things
Unfortunately, rodents will chew on nearly any material they can find and fit inside their mouth. Mice in particular are known for being opportunistic gnawers but other animals have similar tendencies. This means that if you have wood, insulation, books, furniture, clothes, or anything else, there is a good chance a rodent will chew on it. Rats have also been known to chew on everything from plastic, wood, cement, lead, aluminum, asbestos, brick, and cinder blocks. Of course, while they will chew on these things, it is unlikely that they will gnaw their way through them completely before you notice.

Because rodents chew on most objects and can chew through anything that is thin enough, you will want to do a thorough inspection after evicting them from your home.

Previous Education Articles
How to keep wild Pueblo animals out of your house.
Is a Pueblo skunk that is active during the daytime rabid?
What are some humane ways to kill a Pueblo opossum in a cage?
What is a one-way exclusion door?